Pauline Ferrand-Prévot clinched the overall race title in the 2025 Tour de France Femmes, marking the first French win in a female version of the iconic cycling event since Catherine Marsal’s victory in the 1990 Tour de la CEE féminin. The Visma-Lease a Bike women’s squad, known for its cutting-edge technology and marginal gains, played a significant role in Ferrand-Prévot’s success.
The team has been using circular-shaped devices on their heart rate monitor straps, which are actually wearable sensors from the Boston-based brand Tymewear. These sensors, part of the VitalPro system, measure breathing rate, tidal volume, and minute ventilation, providing detailed insights into an athlete’s respiratory effort during racing.
According to Tom, Cyclingnews’ tech writer, the Tymewear sensor can detect metabolic thresholds through breathing rate, allowing riders to create more accurate training zones. The system also enables athletes-specific threshold training zones and personalized training advice based on heart rate data, power, and ventilation metrics.
Ferrand-Prévot’s win is a testament to the team’s expertise in cycling technology and its ability to provide valuable data-driven insights for riders. With the VitalPro sensor, Visma-Lease a Bike teams can now measure breathing rates, tidal volumes, and minute ventilations, enhancing their training and racing strategies.
Source: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/what-was-the-circular-sensor-pauline-ferrand-prevot-was-wearing-on-her-back-at-the-tour-de-france-femmes